Sirkka-Liisa Anneli Kaario (née Jäppinen)
1944 ~ 2019
Passed away on September 26, 2019 in Courtenay, BC, Canada
Born on July 7, 1944 in Hankasalmi, Finland
Sirkka-Liisa was born in Hankasalmi on July 7, 1944, to Eeva and Olavi Jäppinen, she was the oldest of three daughters. With her family she moved to Helsinki, Finland as a teenager.
Sirkka had a childhood illness resulting in hearing loss. Persevering, she was a lifelong learner, avid reader and expanded her knowledge through seminars, books, conferences and later by attending bible school.
Sirkka-Liisa met and married Heikki Juhani Kaario in 1964 in Helsinki. There they had two daughters, Sirpa Anneli and Marja-Liisa Anneli. Moving to British Columbia in the autumn of 1971, they settled in BC’s west coast and had two more daughters, Mary Anita and Heidi Birgitta. Once again they felt the call to move, returning to their homeland of Finland. There, Timo Juhani, their only son, was born.
She enjoyed socializing with family and friends. They enjoyed visiting the many gardens and parks, exploring the west coast of BC and Vancouver Island, often visiting Burnaby Mountain Park.
Sirkka’s favourite movie was The Sound of Music. She had a dream for her family to be the Kaario Family Singers, fashioned after the von Trapp Family Singers from her favourite movie.
Sirkka loved God, her children and family. When she was young she had a close relationship with her “mummo” Wilhelmiina, who she spoke of to her kids. Her relationship to her mom and dad and sisters was very important, and when they moved to Canada, Sirkka and her young family followed.
Sirkka-Liisa had a bubbly personality. She was loving, social, gentle, adventurous and faithful. Throughout her adult life and in times of difficulty, Sirkka-Liisa could often be found reading; attending church and church social outings as well as musical productions; and talking with friends.
As a youngster, Sirkka was active in the 4H Club in Hankasalmi. She was proud of her vegetable patch and grew the largest squash (kurpitsa). She scooted around the Finnish countryside in a moped. Sirkka loved animals and they loved her; throughout her life there were always dogs in the family - even two with the same name: Riku. She was always gentle with them.
Sirkka loved the performing arts, whether it was one of her grand children on stage or a church performance. She loved music and had an infectious laugh, She was active socially at her church. Sirkka loved hugs, they were her specialty.
Sirkka was unafraid. She was bold, and courageous, spoke her mind and stepped out confidently, whether onto a crosswalk or in her writings, she wasn’t shy about speaking her mind. Some of her articles were published in Christian literature. She was not afraid to contact her MP or sign a petition for something she was passionate about.
Sirkka was a woman of faith and she loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind and strength. She was full of life! Loved by all as they were drawn to her inner beauty that made her outer beauty radiate. A woman of incredible gentleness and a joyful disposition. She persevered through many of life’s challenges. She wanted the best for her children and they knew it. She was our “kullanmuru” (loosely translated “sweetie”).
In the last year and months of her life, as the devastation of Alzheimer’s took hold of her memory and ability to care for herself, her sweet spirit shone through and her children, grandchildren and great grandson frequently visited. It was during those times of togetherness that we reminisced and laughed, comforted each and spent time in her presence. It was on September 26, 2019, while at home in Courtenay BC, when Sirkka-Liisa took her last breath on earth and stepped into glory.
Sirkka-Liisa was predeceased by her parents Eeva and Olavi Jäppinen, sister Kaarina Martin, ex-husband Heikki Kaario, brother-in-law Erkki Nevatie, niece Susan Nevatie and nephews Eric and Stefan Nevatie.
Sirkka-Liisa is lovingly survived by daughters Anneli (Keith), Marja-Liisa, Mary (Jason), Heidi (Jeremy), and son Timo. Grandchildren Steven, Trevor, Kelsi, Tanya, Caitlin, Damen, Kirsten, Emma, Jacob, and great grandchild Bryson, and her sister Tuula. And by many other family and friends.
Service Info: a Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 11.00 am
Emmaus Lutheran Church
6344 Sperling Avenue
Burnaby BC V5E 2V4
Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC would be appreciated.
Please join us in remembering Sirkka-Liisa by visiting our memorial at
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